Marine training key for sector with jobs potential

The marine sector could offer a solution to the youth unemployment problem in Kenya, an expert has said, observing the sector could offer about 40,000 job opportunities.

Former Fisheries, Aquaculture and Blue Economy Principal Secretary Prof Micheni Ntiba said Kenya's investment in the blue economy should be leveraged.

Kenya extended its use of the sea by 200 nautical miles from the sea shores after a change of law in 1983.

Speaking at Pioneer University Murang'a Campus during the graduation of Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) students, the former PS urged job seekers to acquire the necessary training and take advantage of the numerous employment opportunities available in the marine sector.

Prof Ntiba underscored the need for universities to train engineers who will help the country exploit the many local rivers for domestic tourism.

He said many Kenyans have missed out on the chance to join the vast blue economy as other countries scramble for it.

He said as a PS, his department started a programme that would see big ships allowed into the Indian Ocean for fishing in 2021.

But Kenyan youths, he noted, could not be employed due to a lack of the necessary skills.

"Imagine having so many jobless youths but none had the training required. The international law requires that you have to be trained before joining a ship, whether shipping, cargo, or a cruise ship," he said.

Prof Ntiba said having training ensures that you can save yourself and other passengers in case of danger.

He said choosing a career that requires you to spend a huge amount of time in sea necessitates rigorous training as it comes with a different set of challenges.

"Most people live over 95 per cent of their lives on dry land so, naturally, it becomes a challenge when they have to confront water".

Law of the sea

He urged the students to familiarise themselves with international law of the sea.

"There is a lot of farming in the seas, whether for fish or plants. I know we planted a lot of seaweed around Shimoni and they have become a big industry along the Kenyan coast for producing very expensive products such as perfumes".

Prof Raymond Karinga, a lecturer with Institute of Marine and Fisheries at the university, said for one to qualify for the STCW course, they have to have undertaken a hospitality or technical course.

"To work in a cruise ship, one needs some hospitality training such as cooking and housekeeping among others. This course only qualifies one to be a seafarer".